Home 9 Services 9 Vegetation Management 9 Integrated Vegetation Management

INTEGRATED Vegetation Management

INTEGRATED Vegetation Management Services

Lanracorp’s Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) service is designed to address the complex challenges of maintaining right of way (ROW) areas across the United States. With thousands of miles of ROW needing regular upkeep, a comprehensive approach like IVM offers an efficient and sustainable solution. Traditional ROW clearing methods can be costly and require frequent attention, but IVM provides a more strategic, long-term solution that not only reduces overall maintenance costs but also supports a healthier, more stable environment. By focusing on promoting low-growth vegetation, we help to ensure that ROW areas remain clear for maintenance activities, patrols, and other essential operations, without the constant need for disruptive clearing.

The core of IVM lies in its ability to encourage the growth of low-maintenance plants, which are crucial for both cost reduction and environmental stability. These low-growing plants are highly desirable in ROW areas because they prevent erosion, reduce the risk of tree interference with power lines, and provide clear visibility for aerial patrols. In contrast, unmanaged growth of woody plants can quickly lead to safety hazards and increase maintenance costs. By promoting low-growing vegetation, Lanracorp’s IVM services help reduce these risks while offering a more sustainable approach to managing ROW landscapes.

Our IVM approach goes beyond simple vegetation control. We integrate mechanical, herbicidal, biological, and manual methods to manage ROW areas in a way that enhances the surrounding environment. For instance, we use carefully selected herbicides and mechanical clearing techniques to suppress the growth of woody plants while encouraging the natural spread of low-growing species. At the same time, biological methods, such as introducing beneficial plant species, help create a balanced ecosystem. This not only contributes to a more cost-effective maintenance strategy but also promotes biodiversity and supports pollinator and wildlife habitats along ROW corridors.

In addition to the practical benefits of reduced maintenance costs and improved ROW safety, Lanracorp’s IVM services contribute to environmental sustainability. Our IVM programs are designed to support local ecosystems by planting specific grass and plant mixtures that promote pollinator habitats and encourage the growth of native species. By fostering a diverse and balanced ecosystem within ROW areas, we help ensure that these spaces are not only functional but also beneficial to the environment. This is particularly important in today’s world, where conservation efforts are becoming a higher priority across industries.

Ultimately, IVM is a more strategic and forward-thinking approach to ROW management. While it doesn’t replace traditional clearing methods, it greatly enhances them by offering a broader range of tools and techniques. By taking a long-term view of vegetation management, Lanracorp is able to reduce costs, improve ROW aesthetics, and promote ecological health. This comprehensive approach ensures that ROW areas are well-maintained, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing to the public, making Lanracorp’s IVM services a smart choice for any organization managing extensive ROW infrastructure.

Take a look at Lanracorp’s 4-Steps to IVM Implementation below.

Spraying herbicide for integrated vegetation management

Our Steps to Implement an Effective IVM Plan

Assess Your ROW

IVM is a strategic approach, and each section of your ROW will be handled differently according to the terrain, species, and plant growth of that specific ROW.

Build this Data into GIS

We will take the above data and plug it into GIS. This will provide a very detailed ROW plan that breaks down what is needed in each section, whether that is mechanical (trimming or clearing), herbicide only, the establishment of low-growth plants, or all of the above.

Create a Detailed IVM Plan

We will work with you to develop a detailed plan based on the assessment and your budget. This plan may be one year or five years long, and it will include hitting the worst areas first and moving into a maintenance cycle over time.

Implement and Monitor Your IVM

Staying proactive ensures long-term success. We utilize GIS technology to monitor progress and plan future work, as well as make any necessary changes. At Lanracorp, we stand by your side as a trusted partner throughout the years to come.

Integrated Vegetation management In A Nutshell

what does ivm do?

  • Reduce woody regrowth through the use of selective herbicides
  • Create native grass establishments in select areas along the ROW
  • Create habitat areas along the ROW in select locations
  • Use a mix of herbicide and mechanical means to more effectively control woody growth
  • Allow for border zones in areas to promote wildlife habitat.
  • Create a larger, strategic plan by ROW segment to achieve the goals above based upon need. Not a shotgun style approach of one size fits all.

Customer Benefits

  • Flatline budget
  • Strategic ROW program
  • Lower costs long term
  • Better landowner relations
  • Better public relations/image

 

With Lanracorp’s expertise and advanced GIS and drone program, we can plan successful integrated vegetation management for years to come. 

Integrated Vegetation Management Made Simple

Not sure what your vegetation management plan should include?
Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your project.